Sometimes you're just not switched on.

This morning, I experienced the phenomenon of absent-minded behaviour.

Begin story.

Our office building (as has been mentioned in previous blog posts) has a communal kitchen area that services tens and tens of office-staff, most of which do not belong to the company that I work for.

I'm a regular down there because I like my tea and coffee, and am often doing the rounds for most of the office while I'm down there.

In fact, I'm down there so often, that it becomes routine. So routine in fact, that I sometimes don't remember the making of said beverage in much the same way that some commuters don't remember passing certain places on their way to work.

Routine here is the key.

Let's run through things you do when making a simple instant coffee.

1. Take a mug.
2. Boil kettle.
   
3. Add coffee granules.
4. Put coffee sachet into bin.
5. Add boiling water.
6. Add milk to taste.
7. Add sugar if necessary (Not I).
   
8. Drink.

What part of this involves you doing anything with a sachet of instant coffee other than emptying it into your mug?

There is nothing in my list that involves putting a sachet of coffee anywhere else.

So then, how the hell did I manage to subconciously decide that it was a good idea to merge rules 3 and 4 together?

I opened the sachet, emptied its contents into the bin, and then wondered what on earth I'd just done.

Not only was I suprised at what I'd done, but so was the rest of the communal kitchen, who had just witnessed me doing it. At what time do you start digging yourself out of this?

Let this be a warning to you.

Don't merge rules.